In the Community
Picton Food Bank Donation
The Picton Branch formally made its final "65th Anniversary" donation of $1,050 to the Picton Food Bank.
As part of our donation we organized a Food Drive in Picton that included over 30 Picton Rotarians, 16 Picton Pirates (Jr. Hockey Team) and 12 McDougall Staff (Friends & Family).
We were able to hit virtually every door in Picton, collected $3,000 to $4,000 worth of food, and another $900 in cash donations.
Needless to say the Picton Food Bank, which runs on a shoe string budget was ecstatic.
5 Ways to Save Money on Gas
Article written by Aviva Canada
- Obey the rules of the road-keep to the speed limit and avoid rapid acceleration and sudden stops.
- Maintain your vehicle through regular oil changes and tune-ups.
- Travel outside of the regular rush hour to avoid sitting in traffic for long periods of time.
- Plan you route before you leave to avoid getting lost or stuck in construction or traffic.
- Don’t overload your-vehicle-avoid transporting heavy items or large groups of passengers regularly.
10 Easy Steps to Winterize Your Home
Article by: Elizabeth Weintraub
1. Furnace Inspection
- Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
2. Get the Fireplace Ready
- Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
3. Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows
- Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
- Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.
4. Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
- Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.
- Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.
5. Service Weather-Specific Equipment
- Service or tune-up snow blowers.
- Buy bags of ice-melt / sand.
6. Check Foundations
- Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.
7. Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Some cities require a smoke detector in every room.
- Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
8. Prevent Plumbing Freezes
- Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
- Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
- If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 14 degrees.
9. Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces
- Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.
- Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where the ground freezes.
10. Prepare an Emergency Kit
- Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.
- Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.
- Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.
8 Ways to Prep Your Vehicle for Winter
As winter driving creeps closer each day, it is imperative we are prepared for winter driving whenever it should hit. Here are a few simple ways to make sure you and your vehicle are safe and ready to hit the road this winter.
See article below By Matthew Wright
Cold weather safety should be a concern for anybody living in a cold climate. These tips will give you the upper hand when Old Man Winter tries to put a chill on your winter travels. If you're extra curious about staying generally safe in winter weather, the National Weather Service has an excellent Winter Safety & Awarenessguide that covers everything from how storms brew to a list of history's billion dollar winter wonders.
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- Check your antifreeze- The juice that goes in your radiator
- Inspect your tires- Your last line of defense between you and an oak tree are your tires.
- Replace your wipers-Anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and unless you have a team of beavers riding on the hood of your car the task of clearing it falls on your wipers
- Check your windshield washer fluid- A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking like a Desert Humvee if you're low on washer fluid.
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Clean your battery posts
Starting problems are a bummer any time of year. Regularly treating your battery to a cleaning can keep electrical gremlins at bay. -
Inspect your spark plug wires
Cracked up plug wires affect performance, gas mileage and general reliability. Be sure yours are in top shape. -
Inspect your brakes
Brakes are not a good area to cut corners. Be sure your brakes have enough meat left to get you through the season. -
Check Your Engine Oil
This should go without saying and should be done at least monthly. But in case you're an amnesiac ... you should also do an oil change!
We Welcome Preston Perry to the McDougall Family
We welcome Preston Perry as a new broker in the McDougall Family. Preston may be ew to us but has been in the insurance industry since 1992. You can find Preston at our new office location 415 MaitLand Dr. Belleville.
Are you McDougalled?
Belleville 65th Anniversary BBQ
Our 65th Anniversary BBQ gathered 800 hungry guests during our Belleville event on July 22, 2011. The day would not have been complete without a cheque presentation to local charities. The Canadian Mental Health staff were on hand during the event and happliy accepted their $3500 cheque. This $3500 was part of the much larger $65,000 donation divided up in local communities across Ontario. Staff is each branch local get to choose where the money is distributed.
Top 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles
IBC releases annual list of top 10 stolen vehicles - Insurers continue the fight against auto theft
Article by IBC.ca
Toronto, ON – December 16, 2010 – Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) released its annual list of the most frequently stolen vehicles today. Again in 2010, the appearance of high-value, all-wheel/four-wheel drive models on the list demonstrates that sophisticated, organized crime rings are involved. These types of vehicles are frequently targeted by criminal organizations that strip them for parts, re-sell them to unsuspecting consumers or export them to countries where there is a high demand for upscale vehicles that can handle rugged terrain.
Last month the federal government passed Bill S-9, Tackling Auto Theft and Property Obtained by Crime Act, which gives Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) the authority to seize stolen vehicles intended for export.
The top 10 stolen vehicles in Canada are:
- 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
- 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
- 2002 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
- 2004 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
- 2005 Acura RSX Type S 2-door
- 1997 Acura Integra 2-door
- 2000 Audi S4 Quattro 4-door AWD
- 2003 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
- 2006 Acura RSX Type S 2-door
- 2004 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
10 Ways to Add Value to Your Home
Article from FresHome.com
The value that you have in your home is the single most important reason why you own instead of rent a home. In the this recent economy of falling house values and unstable housing market statistics, every home owner should know how to put more value back into their homes. Although making home improvements is not a sure-fire way to increase the value, it will at the very least make you more competitive against your competition. Use these tips to increase the value of your home and enjoy the rewards when it is time to sell your home.
1.) Update kitchen appliances: The most sought after room in your home is the kitchen. It is worth the most per square foot and will make the difference of your home appealing to buyers or not. If your appliances are more than 3-5 years old consider updating them to the comfortability of your wallet. A newer model, a more designer finish, or more features will help home buyers take a second glance at your kitchen. For top of the line appliances consider stainless steel and professional series lines.
2.) Kitchen cabinetry makes the look: When you walk into a kitchen the first thing you notice is the cabinets. Cabinetry is at the top of the percentage of kitchen costs, but also shows the most return. Opt for wood over laminate surfaces and add custom features like crown molding, wine racks, glazing, and custom woodworking to set your kitchen apart from your competition. Reface cabinets and add door and drawer hardware for less expensive updating.
3.) Add value by upgrading your countertops: Any room you have countertops – kitchen, bathroom, bars, or utility rooms the more money you can spend into a higher end countertop the better. Plastic laminate countertops are considered the lower end grade, solid surfacing, concrete and granite is considered to be the higher end grade. Consider overlay countertops that are made from composite granite/resin combination for the look of granite at a fraction of the cost.
4.) Flooring is a forgotten upgrade: The rule of thumb for flooring is the more resilient and long lasting, the higher the upgrade is, but the higher return is on investment (ROI). Vinyl flooring and low end carpet is at the bottom of the upgrade spectrum. Consider wood, tile, and natural stone for flooring options to add value to your home.
5.) Upgrade plumbing fixtures in kitchen and bathrooms: If your plumbing fixtures are more than 10 years old, consider upgrading them. If you have standard grade fixtures, such as chrome finish, opt for higher end finishes and materials. Brushed nickel, antique copper and brass fixtures are relatively inexpensive to replace. At kitchen sinks choose plumbing fixture collections that offer matching faucet, control, and sink sprayer. Similarly in bathrooms, choose bathtub/shower/and sink controls that coordinate for a unified look throughout your home.
6.) Master bedrooms should feel like a retreat: The master bedroom or suite as some like to refer to it is a high commodity for home buyers. Upgrade flat ceilings to raised tray ceilings and allow for several lighting options. Recessed lighting with dimmers, lighting wall sconces help create an ambiance that has a high value in appeal and for the value of your home.
7.) Upgrade master bathroom with spa-like features: Part of the master bedroom is the master bathroom. Buyers want to have spa features from the shower to the over-sized garden tub. Similarly to the kitchen, put upgrades where you can most afford it. Upgraded tiled floors and showers will add value over pre manufactured units. Jetted soaking tubs, multisprayer showers and large square footage will also add value to your overall home.
8.) Invest in curb appeal: To be able to meet the demands of the average home buyer you will need to create curb appeal. A well manicured lawn, trimmed landscaping and clean drive and sidewalks will help bring greater buyer appeal, and in turn will add value on to your home. Keep your flower beds free of weeds and full of thriving and colorful plants. Nothing says ‘buy me’ like a front yard that has quality upkeep behind it.
9.) The more closets the better: At the top of buyers’ lists is always storage. The more you can provide the more value you add on to your home price. Make sure closets are fully functioning and are not being used to hold so many belongings that a home buyer can’t see how much space the closet offers. When choosing how to upgrade your home, storage is one of the easiest and often overlooked suggestions.
10.) Windows are for more than viewing: Your windows are the source for your light, but also the source for conditioned air gain and loss. Upgrade to windows with higher R values to resist heat and cold transfer from the outdoors. Double paned windows, windows with integral window treatments and insulated varieties all equate to saving energy and therefore will add more value to your home.
65th Anniversary Events
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Mold in Your Home? You Could be at Risk.
The key to mold prevention is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should promptly clean the area and correct the water problem. It’s important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment and serve a purpose outdoors. But inside, mold growth can be problematic. Mold reproduces indoors as mold spores land on wet surfaces. Of the many types of molds, none will grow without water or moisture.
Can mold cause health problems?
Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Allergic reactions to mold are common, and may include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. For more detailed information, consult a physician.
How do I eliminate or prevent mold from growing indoors?
Mold spores will not grow without moisture. Indoor mold growth can be prevented or restricted by controlling moisture. Tips to help prevent and control moisture and mold:
- Clean up all water leaks or spills quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours, it is less likely that mold will grow.
- Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
- Check the building foundation: Do the surrounding grounds slope in a way that would prevent water from entering or collecting at the foundation?
- Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed.
- Keep indoor humidity low. If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
- Vent appliances that produce moisture. Appliances such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters should be vented to the outside when possible.
- Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
- Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.
- Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.
- Cover cold surfaces such as cold water pipes with insulation.
- Increase the air temperature.
Top 10 Ways to Save Money
Saving money can mean the difference between being able to drive your car and putting food on the table for a lot of people. Fortunately there are several things the average person can do to cut their monthly expenses without drastically reducing their current standard of living.
1. First, find out where your money is going. You may be surprised at how you are actually spending the money you have every month. Take a small notebook with you and write down every purchase you make for at least a week. Then break down the purchases into groups, such as fast food and snack foods, gasoline, groceries, rent /mortgage, insurance etc. Then add up everything you have spent in each category and project each category's spending into a full month.
Are you surprised? Most people never realize how much they spend on fast food and snacks every month. Buying these types of items has probably become a habit and it is easy to believe that habits are necessary, but see if you can start by cutting down on some of this type of wasteful discretionary spending. Remember, even saving an average of $25.00 a week translates to a $100 savings each and every month!
2. Cut back on your TV viewing. By this I mean do you really need the cable package you currently have? It's nice. It's fun. But do you really need it? And more importantly, can you really afford it? If not, try a more economical package. You'll soon find that you hardly even miss most of the old programs. Remember what it was like watching TV before cable?
3. Do you need a standard telephone? Most of us grew up with a telephone that hung on a wall or sat on a table in the corner of the living room or the kitchen and somehow we still feel the need to keep a "home phone." But if you have a cell phone, do you really need the extra monthly expense of a "house phone"?
4. Use energy wisely. It should come as no surprise that energy costs have skyrocketed. Now more than ever it is necessary to turn off lights every time you leave a room. Only do full loads of laundry and full loads of dishes. And by the way, were you aware that you can save money by washing your clothes in warm water with a cool water rinse? Many people use a hot water rinse, thinking that it makes their clothes cleaner. Studies have shown that a cold water rinse keeps your clothes just a clean and saves you money in the bargain!
5. Only drive when it is absolutely necessary. Gasoline prices are through the roof! The days when we could just jump into our cars without giving it any real thought are gone. Plan your trips. Try to get as many things done in one area as possible and combine as many trips as possible. Also look into taking the bus or other public transportation for as many trips as possible. Carpooling to work not only saves you on gasoline, it can also save you on car insurance as well. Tell your insurance agent if you begin carpooling.
6.Can you refinance your home? Interest rates are dropping once again and money for refinancing is available despite all of the headlines about mortgage problems. If current interest rates are at least half a point lower than your current mortgage rate and you plan to live in your home for at least another couple of years, refinancing to a lower monthly mortgage payment can save you hundreds of dollars a month in some cases.
7. Pay off high interest credit cards. Paying just a few dollars a month over the minimum payment on your high interest credit cards can make a huge difference in how quickly you can pay off your cards, saving a ton of money in interest and ultimately eliminating a monthly expense entirely. Put your credit cards in a drawer or cut them up. Buying on credit is a sure way to financial problems down the line.
8. Review all of your insurance policies. Sit down with your insurance agent and go over each and every insurance policy you have, from auto to health to home to life insurance. Most policies that you have had for a while are ripe for review. Between the two of you you are bound to find ways to save money while maintaining the coverage that you genuinely need.
9. Make meal plans. One of the major expenses for most households is food and one of the problems with the food budget is that often there is little or no advance planning. Make actual meal plans on paper. Know ahead of time what you need for each meal and plan to have leftovers more often. Not only will meal planning help you save money by buying only the food you really need, but knowing ahead of time what ingredients you need will save you from making unnecessary and expensive extra trips to the grocery store.
10. Cut down on shopping trips. If you are used to going to the mall once a week or twice a month find something else to do at least half of the time. Go ride a bike or take a walk instead. Each time you go to the mall, even if it's just to "look around" or to "get out of the house," is an invitation to spend money - and you know it. So fight the urge and your pocketbook will thank you!
Saving money every month may require you to painfully re-think your priorities - and to change some long-standing habits. Habits have a way of becoming "necessities" and it can sometimes be hard to convince ourselves that we don't really need something that we've become accustomed to, but as times and our pocketbooks change, so must our habits if we are going to learn to save money every month.
Article by: Alexis Jensen
Bed Bugs are Bad for Business
According to a recent article by Lloyd’s, bed bugs could be an even bigger problem than we know- for business owners.
Lloyd’s Article: Bed bugs, generally seen as a growing health concern, also pose liability risks, warns Lloyd's. The US federal appellate court awarded $372,000 in punitive damages in 2003 - 37 times the compensatory award in the case - to a couple who had been bitten by bed bugs while staying at a chronically infested hotel in Chicago, Lloyd's said in its report, ‘Battle of the Bedbugs.'
An employee working at the Fox News offices in New York City filed a workers compensation claim due to bed bug bites at work, in addition to filing a premises liability lawsuit again the building's owner and management company for negligence in rectifying the infestation, it continues.
"In view of the growing epidemic, all businesses should review their property and liability insurances and also think about how they would respond to bedbug related problems to do with staff or clients," Lloyd's suggested.
In Toronto, Toronto Public Health has noted a dramatic increase in infestation reports, from 46 in 2003 to more than 1,500 in 2009.
Ontario's provincial government recently announced a $5 million investment to support the fight against bed bugs.
Ontario's 36 public health units will be able to apply for funding to support bed bug-related programs that emphasize coordination with other local services, education and awareness and/or provide supports to vulnerable populations.
As the epidemic continues, business owners should contact their insurance broker with any questions or concerns.
$20,000 Donation to the Sexual Assault Centre
McDougall and Insurance and Financial and Canadian Insurance company; Gore Mutual Insurance have partnered in order to contribute the much needed donation of $20,000 to the Sexual Assault Centre. This is a cause they are pleased to support as it will help the community for years to come. Both companies have donated $10,000 to the $1,000,000 fundraising goal. McDougall Insurance and Financial would like to recognize that this size of a donation would not be made possible without the support of Gore Mutual Insurance. McDougall Insurance & Financial is donating $10,000 as part of their 65thAnniversary celebration. Throughout 2011 their company will be donating $65,000 to local charities throughout Ontario to celebrate each of their 65 years in business.
In this picture from left to right:
Christine Casey (Gore Mutual Insurance), Kim Charlebois (Sexual Assualt Centre) & Ross McDougall (McDougall Insurance & Financial)
McDougall Insurance & Financial Takes Part in Big Bike with Heart & Stroke
Click the link to see our Big Bike team on QuinteLive.ca
http://quintelive.ca/2011/05/05/big-fun-on-the-big-bike/
Saving You Money on Electricity
There’s no doubt electricity is expensive and with all other costs skyrocketing, we need a plan to control our ever-growing bills.
The best way to save on electricity is to be conscious of how you are using it. Make a point of looking through your home at all of the appliances, lights etc. that run on electricity. You will find dozens of items, but the great part is you can’t use them all at once. You can’t live without electricity but we can reduce its usage. Here are a few tips to help your family reduce your next electricity bill.
Start saving money by turning off the lights when you leave the room. I know this sounds simple and you probably already encourage it but really enforce this. You can only be in one room at a time, so when you leave, turn off the light. Often we think we’ll be right back and just as often we get side-tracked. You can also purchase light sensors that will turn the light on and off for you. These sensors work by movement in the room. Once the movement has stopped for a predetermined amount of time the light will automatically turn off. These sensors are very useful and a nice addition to your home.
Next, unplug those appliances and lamps in your home you do not regularly use. Even if the item is not on, but still plugged in, you are constantly reserving electricity for that item. In addition, surge protectors, are great for protecting items in an electrical storm, however they absorb a lot of extra electricity costing you more money. Only use surge protectors on certain items that are prone to that type of damage. If you have a refrigerator in your home that has been deemed the “beverage fridge” and is getting on in years, chances are the cost of keeping it is a lot more than whatever is in it. Say goodbye to the fridge and call for local disposal for these items in your area.
When it comes to heating your home, keep it consistent. Many people believe that by constantly adjusting the heat they are saving money. When you do this your heater is just on longer, trying to catch back up to your desired temperature. This is especially true if you live in an older home. Spring is in air and you may be thinking about an air conditioner for the hot sticky days ahead. The same rules of consistency apply with your air conditioner as with your heater. You are actually charged each time you turn your air conditioner on and off. Most people don’t know this. There’s no doubt that if you use an air conditioner you will be paying more each month. However by selecting one temperature and one temperature only, you will save money and keep cool this summer.
There are lots of effective methods of saving money on your electricity bill. Remembering the tips listed above will get you on track and started on your quest for saving your hard earned money.
Business Owners Beware
Think This Can’t Happen to You? Guess Again.
Are you aware of the likelihood of crime and how it could affect your business? As a business owner, it’s a good idea to think about crime prevention strategies. No matter where you’re located or what you do, it makes good sense to reduce your chances of being a victim of a crime. The ability of your business to quickly recover from an unforeseen event is a priority we share. But we also want to help you protect your business now, before something happens. So you can focus on doing what you do best –running your business – without interruption. Work with your insurance broker to get the coverage you and your business need to be protected against crime.
The following measures can help you avoid trouble before it happens.
Be equipped with physical deterrents:
• Ensure adequate fencing, landscaping and lighting to deter potential intruders
• Physical protection such as superior building construction and sturdy doors
• Visible ironworks, roll-down doors, bars and locks
• Electronic security system installed and monitored in accordance with ULC standards
• ULC or UL listed safes and vaults with burglary resistance ratings
• Strategically installed surveillance cameras
Establish the right procedures:
• Have an opening and closing protocol
• Establish guidelines for employees who handle cash
• Stagger deposit times and visits to the bank
• Exercise key control and limit access to safe and vault combinations
• Develop procedures to be followed by employees during a robbery
• Conduct routine audits
• Do not place high-end or target merchandise in or near display windows
Be tough on crime:
• Maintain a culture that promotes loss control
• Take a firm stance against those who commit crimes against your organization
• Reward employees who report criminal activities or contribute to improved security measures
• Rotate employees where possible
• Maintain accurate and accessible inventory and equipment records
Article information provided by Intact Insurance.
What You Didn't Know About Your Home
A shocking statistic revealed that 84% of Canadians homeowners are underinsured. Not only are their homes uninsured, but they are underinsured by as much as 27%. If something were to happen to their home, most Canadians would struggle to get what they currently have again based on the inadequate insurance coverage they currently have. Speak to your insurance broker today to make sure your home has the coverage you need. Little things may have been overlooked since you bought your home, perhaps you have made some renovations, replaced the roof or updated the bathroom, these things should all be considered.
Article information provided by: Marshall & Swift/Boeckh
Ken Sykes Memorial 5KM Run/Walk
Join McDougall Insurance & Financial in supporting The Ken Sykes Memorial 5KM Run/Walk. The event will take place in West Zwicks Park May 7th, 2011.
See this year's poster for more information.
Heart & Stroke Big Bike
Again this year the McDougall Family employees will climb aboard the Heart & Stroke's Big Bike. With an agressive fundraising goal of $135,000 in the Quinte area McDougall Insurance & Financial are hoping to raise over $7000 to put towards the cause.
2010 Big Bike Picture
BanKraft
Our Bancroft office shows real community spirit for Kraft Hockeyville. This sign was temporarily placed over the town sign heading into Bancroft showing their support to be the next Hockeyville.
Solar Panels
Generate Power…and Money
Consider the benefits of generating green energy from renewable sources such as the sun, wind, water or bioenergy, and selling it for a guaranteed price. You can be part of Ontario’s growing green energy movement, make money and contribute to a cleaner environment.
If you are a homeowner, farmer or small business owner, you have the opportunity to develop a very small or “micro” renewable electricity generation project (10 kilowatts or less in size) on your property. Under the microFIT Program, you will be paid a guaranteed price for all the electricity your project produces for at least 20 years.
How to participate
Once you've selected your renewable energy technology and developed a project plan, signing up for the microFIT Program is straightforward. You apply online, there’s minimal paperwork – and there’s no application fee.
There are three key steps involved in participating in the microFIT Program:
Step 1: Call your broker at McDougall to get an estimate of insurance costs
Step 2: Submit an application and receive conditional offer
Step 3: Build and connect your project
For a summary of what you should know and helpful checklists of questions you should ask when you are developing your microFIT project visit microfit.powerauthority.on.ca.
Source: Ontario Power Authority.http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca
How to Prevent Water Damage
How to prevent Water Damage to your Home
If you have ever had a flooded basement, you know the damage can be extensive, expensive and the inconvenience, unforgettable.
What you can do to prevent or limit a loss
If you have an unfinished basement, we suggest you store items in plastic containers or on shelving at least 12" off the floor.
A finished basement requires more aggressive measures to protect your investment.
• If your area is susceptible to sewer backup, make sure your home has a sewer back-flow or check valve installed.
• If you don't have a sump pump, install one. If you do have a sump pump, test it to make sure it is working.
• Because severe weather often causes a hydro interruption, it makes good sense to install a battery back-up device for the sump pump or keep a small gas generator to power critical electrical circuits. Both of these devices are available at a reasonable cost from any building supply or hardware store.
• Keep eaves and downspouts clear of debris and make sure water flow is directed away from the foundation. If your building code permits it, have the downspouts connected directly to your weeping tiles or sewer drain.
• In winter, keep snow away from the foundation to reduce surface water during sudden spring thaws and winter rains. Areas around ground level windows and window wells should be clearly regularly.
• Finally, as simple as it sounds, make sure your lot is properly graded to direct runoff away from the foundation and entranceways. Do not change the grade or elevation around your home unless proper authorities are consulted because this could affect proper run off.
Source: Copyrighted articles reproduced with IBAO permission.
The articles in this publication represent the opinions of the authors and do not represent or embody any official position of, or statement by IBAO; nor do they attempt to set forth definitive action standards or to provide legal advice.
How to Lower Your Property Insurance
How to Lower Your Property Insurance
There are numerous discounts available from insurance companies. Some are automatically applied to your policy, while others are not. Examine your policy to see if you presently receive any discounts. If you don’t, ask us what special offers may be available to you.
Claims Free Discount
Generally allowed if you are 3 years claims free.
New Home Discount
Generally allowed for homes between 0 and 10 years of age. Some may go as high as 15 years.
Non-Smokers Discount
All residents must be non-smokers.
Mature Property Owner
The qualifying age varies with different companies.
Alarm Discount
Generally allowed for centrally monitored systems.
Mortgage Free Discount
You may receive a discount between 5% and 10% if you are mortgage free.
Loyalty Discount
Many companies automatically include a discount if you have been insured with the same company for a period of 3 to 5 years.
Package Discount
If you insure your automobiles and home with the same company, you may qualify for a discount on one or both policies.
Source: Copyrighted articles reproduced with IBAO permission.
The articles in this publication represent the opinions of the authors and do not represent or embody any official position of, or statement by IBAO; nor do they attempt to set forth definitive action standards or to provide legal advice.
Community Living-Bridging the Gap
Community Living-Bridging the Gap
McDougall Insurance & Financial supports dozens of local groups and initiatives each year with Community Living-Bridging the Gap being one of them. In 2010 McDougall Insurance donated $2500 to the the cause. In the picture shown above, you will see one of our McDougall family members, Carol Wiggins (left) raising her glass to the group's upcoming event "Cheers Quinte".
Please see event description below-taken from The Intelligencer, Belleville
The annual Bridging the Gap Wine Festival has become Cheers Quinte with something new added — a beer salon.
To celebrate Valentine's Day in style, Shirley Follen, co-founder of Bridging the Gap, invites Quinte residents to come celebrate 31 years of Community Learning-Bridging the Gap supporting local children by sampling more than 100 local, national, and international wines as well as tasting gourmet food prepared by Dinkel's Restaurant, at the Ramada Inn in Belleville on Feb. 12 from 4 to 9 p.m..
Shelly Rees is Awarded "Volunteer of the Year" by the United Way
The United Way of Quinte celebrated Thursday, Jan. 20th
as charity officials announced their 2010 campaign raised
$1,636,238 for local agencies. Our very own Shelly Rees was
part of the excitement as she was awarded “Volunteer
of the Year”. Congratulations Shelly, for all your efforts and
for being a positive role model in the community.
McDougall Insurance was awarded the “Employee Workplace
Campaign” Spirit Award for 5-99 employees. Our company
assisted by raising $16, 312.00! Donations were given
throughout the year by employees each Friday for the ability
to dress casual. McDougall Insurance also supported the
Denim & Diamonds United Way event in the fall of 2010.
McDougall Charity Golf Tournament Raises $10 000 for Quinte Children's Foundation
McDougall Golf Tournament Raises $10 000- September 23rd marked the day of the first ever McDougall charity golf tournament. Over 130 golfers and volunteers attended the day at the Trillium Woods Golf Course. After a great day of golf our staff organizers were proud to present the Quinte Children’s Foundation with a cheque for $10 000 to put towards their charity. Special thanks to Shelly, Patti and Caley for their efforts organizing the tournament.
BGH Gala Fundraiser
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BGH Gala Fundraiser- McDougall Insurance & Financial once again sponsored the annual Belleville General Hospital Gala event in the amount of $10 000. This year’s theme, 'The Disco Ball at Studio 500'. The annual gala is one of many fundraising events the hospital uses to raise vital funds for new medical equipment. $60 million has been raised since 1990 for the BGH Foundation.
Rotary Loves Kids
McDougall Insurance was a proud sponsor of the "Rotary Loves Kids", Golf Tournament and Party in the Square. This year's event raised an outstanding $95,000 for the local area. Fundraising initiatives such as this, benefit the following programs:
-Quinte Children's Association
-Pirate Ship Nichole Playground
-BGH Diagnostic Equipment for Childrens Health
-Hastings and Prince Edward Board of Educations' Food for Learning Program
-Gleaners Food Bank
-Easter Seals Camp
-Rotary International Clean Water projects in South Asia
-Rotary International Polio Plus Campaign
-Local & International Aids programs
-Belleville YMCA's Strong Kids Program
-Children's Mental Health Positiving Parenting Program
Changes in Auto Insurance
Please visit the following website for an updated look on the changes in auto insurance effective September 1st.
www.understandingmyinsurance.ca
O’Shaughnessy Insurance at Bancroft Home Show
O’Shaughnessy Ltd Insurance Brokers participated in the Bancroft & Area Lifestyle Home Show on June 11 to June 13, 2010. The Home Show provides an opportunity for the public to visit over 60 vendors that can provide all types of home building and renovations products. Our IBAO sponsored booth at the event offered draws for prizes which included a Blue Ray DVD player, lawn chairs and an digital photo album. Thanks to our insurers that donated the prices, pens and other items. A special thanks to Darren McCaskie, Bancroft’s personal lines producer who operated the booth. He was able to generate numerous leads from the event.
In conjunction with the IBAO, we donated 50 magenta blankets to the Bancroft Food Bank and Maggie’s Resource Centre, a safe home and community counselling program for women who are or have been in an abusive relationship. We then sold 50 of the IBAO blankets at the Home show with all proceeds going to the above charities.
McDougall Summer Party-$1650.00 Raised for Soldiers On
Saturday marked the day of the annual McDougall summer staff party.
New this year, staff stepped aboard a cruise boat for the evening festivities (S.S. McDougall). The weather conditions were amazing, including wall to wall sun and a gentle breeze displaying the
Congratulations to our 50/50 winner
Shirely Langton says goodbye
On April 30/10 Shirley Langton said goodbye to her corner office, desk, co-workers and management and said hello to her gardens, grandchildren and retirement.
Shirley Langton had been a part of McDougall Insurance and Financial for 15 years and certainly her services did not go unseen. Within the final weeks of her employment she received various calls, gifts and well wishes from all of her co-workers, insurance company colleagues and clients.
A party was held at Dinkel’s Restaurant in her honor. The party included co-workers from past and present along with her closest of family and friends.
Shirley promises she won’t be a stranger and will make return visits to the office….we assume to pay her premium!
Enjoy retirement Shirley!
Belleville Chamber elects new President
We are delighted that Kelly McKinney a partner and commercial lines specialist with McDougall Insurance and Financial will be playing a leadership role as President of the Belleville and District Chamber of Commerce for 2010.
Pictured are former president Greg Taylor along with 2010 president Kelly McKinney
This continues a tradition of community involvement by McDougall Insurance and Financial employees going back years in the communities we serve.
At the same meeting another McDougall employee and commercial lines specialist, Ray Dassylva was elected 2nd vice president.
